Kenny’s kings complete the double

Dundalk FC completed a magnificent second double in three seasons to add another glorious chapter to the rich history of the club. The supporters travelled in their droves on Sunday morning to Dublin with a convoy of cars and buses heading south on the M1 towards the Aviva to cheer their heroes on.
This latest victory secured Dundalk’s fourth double with two of them coming under current manager Stephen Kenny. The popular Dubliner has now won eight major trophies during his six seasons at the club including four league titles, two FAI cups and two league cups.
Following their latest heroics the team were once again honoured by the Dundalk Municipal District Council on Monday evening when the town came out in force once again to greet the victorious team who arrived at the square on an open top bus.
Speaking at the homecoming, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Councillor Conor Keelan, said: “Dundalk FC have had remarkable success and have brought great joy to their fans this year. On behalf of Dundalk Municipal District, I’m delighted to have the team, and manager Stephen Kenny, here together with their supporters for this special event to celebrate and reflect on a fantastic season.”
Facing great rivals Cork for the fourth year in succession Dundalk took the lead through a powerful Sean Hoare header. The central defender’s joy was short lived however as he conceded a penalty just sixty seconds later after being adjudged to have fouled former Dundalk target Karl Shepherd in the box. It remained 1-1 until half-time as Dundalk struggled to get into their usual passing rhythm.
The introduction of Jamie McGrath in the second half swung the pendulum back in Dundalk’s favour however and with 17 minutes remaining the Lilywhite supporters were in dream land as a superb Sean Gannon cross was headed home by midfielder Patrick McEleney. A rare headed goal for the Derry man who returned to Dundalk half way through the season following an unsuccessful spell at Oldham.
Despite some late pressure from Cork, Stephen Kenny’s side held out and secured a magnificent double for the second time in three seasons. After the game Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny poured praise on his players as well as the loyal Dundalk supporters who he said had helped his team over the line.
“It’s great for everyone in the town. This team has shown so much desire and hunger throughout the season and they have got better and better with each passing game. They are a credit to themselves and the club. I also have to give huge credit to our wonderful fans who came out in their droves to the Aviva. We’ve had a couple of disappointments in FAI Cup finals over the last couple of years but they stayed with their team and I think this was the biggest ever crowd we’ve brought to the Aviva.
“The cup final has managed to maintain its magic and it has really captured the public’s imagination. It’s great that we get to play the final in the national stadium and I think that really adds to the occasion. It was great to see the supporters out in the square as well on Monday evening. It was tremendous to see people of different generations come out to cheer on their team. I think the team have really created a special bond with the supporters and long may that continue. We’ll have a bit of a rest now before meeting up again in the new year with the aim of improving once again,” stated Stephen.